Well, I also would agree that the WorldPoints program does look devalued because you can't choose your own flights. It almost sounds like you are bidding on priceline but instead of paying cash you are using their points. Obviously this is not the way it really works but I would expect MBNA to improve the worldpoints program if they expect to maintain the high spending cardmembers and attract new cardmembers to their rewards program. After all, citibank, Bank of America, Chase, BankOne, and other card issuers offer programs for airline tickets so in this competitive market I would hope the program gets better once again. I mean at least if I don't like the choices chase travel rewards gives me I can put my miles into continental and then book a rewards ticket with them. There is an added degree of flexibility that the worldpoints program does not offer unless you are willing to devalue the points to a level between .5% and 1% to take cash.

Also, I think it is funny that when I called to ask having my card converted i mentioned the letter and the customer service representative was praising WorldPoints and saying how I could get flights or I could even get rewards certificates at B&N and how it was such a great program with better rewards and more flexibility. The funny thing is when I had the B&N card, almost all of my spending was at B&N for this card so I was averaging almost 2% back yet with the worldpoints program if I go to B&N I have spend $13,000 to get $100 gift certificate so the value is less than 1%. It is just pathetic. I will hang onto this card for dining and travel and for balance transfers but probably will give it up after that unless MBNA makes the program more lucrative.

Sincerely,

JC